Australia had it over me - Gibbs

Herschelle Gibbs conceded Australia had enjoyed a long-term mental hold over him despite his impressive record against most other countries. Gibbs said he was not haunted by his infamous dropped catch off Steve Waugh at the 1999 World Cup but he did find Australia tougher competition than any other team.

Gibbs, who last week smashed six sixes in an over against Netherlands, is hoping to prove he can handle Australia when the two sides meet in their group match on Saturday. He hammered 175 when he last faced Australia, in the record-breaking 400-plus match at Johannesburg a year ago, but wants to translate that success to the biggest tournament of all.

Gibbs averages 27.03 against Australia in ODIs, compared to a career mark of 35.71. In Tests, his overall average is 43.37 but against Australia that drops to 31.56. Glenn McGrath in particular has reason to look forward to the contest, having dismissed Gibbs 11 times in international matches.

"Maybe the mental side of it has got something to do with it," Gibbs told the Sydney Morning Herald. "They [Australia] don't allow you to score as freely as you do against any other nation, and they have always had a lot more experience than any other team I have played against, and that is something you can't put a price on.

"There is always a bit of banter that goes on. It is something we have come to expect of Australia but when you have played against them for long enough that's just the way it is. There is always going to be some banter between South Africa and Australia."

Gibbs said Australia were the team to beat at the World Cup but he believed the current South Africa squad had the best chance of any he had played in. "I think it has been the most consistent," he said. "As far as selection is concerned, I think we have got a lot more batting depth, which could be a huge advantage as far as the one-day game is concerned.

"The guys have a lot of belief in each other, and that goes a long way, especially against Australia. I think we have got the team now to go all the way." Gibbs said the side was due for some good fortune, having been knocked out of the last two World Cups in memorable circumstances.

"You need a bit of luck to win a World Cup," he said. "It's my third World Cup now, and the last two we have been very unlucky. We've got the squad now, and with a bit of luck, who knows what can happen."